Marlins agree to terms with first-round pick, Andrew Heaney

The choices were these for Oklahoma State lefthander Andrew Heaney: a $2.6 million signing bonus to join the Marlins -- about $200,000 less than he demanded -- or a season in independent ball while he waits for next year's draft.

In the end, with the signing deadline down to hours, the Marlins' first-round pick went with the money.

Heaney, the ninth overall pick in this year's draft, agreed to terms and now needs only to pass a physical to put his signature on a contract. The deadline for signing draft picks is 5 p.m. today.

The two sides appeared to be at an impasse on Thursday when the pitcher balked at the Marlins' final offer of $2.6 million, below the recommended slot figure.